Vuna heading to Japan

The Rebels have granted Cooper Vuna's request for a release from his Super Rugby contract at season's end to go and play in Japan.

The Rebels have granted Cooper Vuna's request for a release from his Super Rugby contract at season's end to go and play in Japan.

The former Rugby League wing will leave the franchise at the end of July to play for Japanese team, Toshiba.

Vuna will play his final match for the Rebels on Friday, July 12 at AAMI PARK, with Rebels captain Gareth Delve, Ged Robinson and Richard Kingi also moving on to other challenges beyond this season.

Since his arrival in 2010, Vuna has played 33 Super Rugby matches, four in 2013, making his Test debut for the Wallabies in 2012 against Wales in Brisbane.

The 25-year-old was embroiled in controversy earlier this year when he and Wallabies star Kurtley Beale were sent home from South Africa after the Rebels' record 64-7 Super Rugby loss to the Sharks in Durban.

Reports said Vuna intervened after Beale punched skipper Gareth Delve on the team bus after a nightclub outing following the loss, and the pair went on to trade blows.